Chapter 11
Jake got out of his car at Universal Studios. It was another taping for Impact. Larry Z had already called to say he wasn't in a match tonight but he would do an in ring segment where a big announcement would be made. As he picked up his bag and closed his door a young kid with his mother approached him. "Excuse me Mr. Reed can my son get you autograph?" The mother asked. "Ah sure thing," Jake said doing it before walking into the studio a smile on his face.
Traci was heading to the ladies locker room when she saw AJ she turned to avoid him but he chased after her. "Traci hold up," AJ said. Traci turned to face him. "Do you want something AJ?" She asked. "Look Traci I want to know if you have seen Jake yet," AJ said. "Why is something wrong?" She asked concerned. "Look I have been hearing some rumors about his next opponent and I am worried about it," AJ said.
"Who is his opponent?" Traci asked getting concerned. Before AJ could respond Matt Bentley yelled out, "Hey Traci where are you?" "I have to go," Traci said walking off. "Maybe Jake's right she does still love him. But what is she going to do if I'm right and Jake's opponent is Samoa Joe," AJ said walking off to find Jake.
Jake was in the cafeteria getting something to eat. He was the only one in there expect for the food servers most of the boys were getting ready for there matches. Jake couldn't shake the feeling that his past was catching up with him. And now another feeling of some one watching him was there. He looked out across the room and saw a little red blinking light. He knew who it was and it pissed him off. But he decided to ignore it and let the person think they were safe. Jake finished his meal and walked out the opposite way from the light. He then circled around and hid around the corner
"Man now where did he go," Alex Shelly to Eric Young. "I don't know but this makes me nervous. What if he finds out we are filming him?" Young asked his eyes darting around trying to see if anyone was coming. "He would kill both of you!" Jake said walking out from his hiding place. "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I didn't want to do it! He made me do it! Please don't kill me Mr. Bleed!" Eric Young screamed dropping to his knees begging.
"It's Reed! Why the hell are you two filming me!" Jake demanded to know. "Look Jake, you should be flattered. You are now the talk of wrestling and people want to know about you." Alex Shelly said calmly. "All people need to know is I am a great wrestler. Stay out of my past," Jake said threateningly before walking away.
"Well I guess that's that," Eric Young said standing up. "No it's not. People don't act like that unless they really want to hide something. And as public figure he can't hide anything. It's time to step up my efforts," Shelly said.
Jake was fuming he was worried about what Shelly could know. Truth was it wasn't that hard to find out everything. Plenty of people in his past would be willing to talk. Hell Trinity would give enough info to fill a book. A felt a hand on his shoulder and herd some say, "Jake."
Jake turned around and made a fist like he was going to punch someone only to see AJ. "Whoa Jake what's the matter?" AJ asked surprised by Jake's reaction. "Ah jeez AJ I am sorry. I just found out Alex Shelly is filming me," Jake said calming down. "Is he still alive?" AJ asked trying to make a joke. "Yeah he is. But AJ I am worried. I just feel like everything is about to come out," Jake said.
"Would that really be such a bad thing? I know you are ashamed of it. But you are clean. Jake everyone makes mistakes but have made up for it," AJ said. "Yeah I know that. But everyone judges you. Plus I don't want do that to Traci," Jake said checking his watch. "Do what to Traci?" AJ asked. "Have the whole world find out that the man she loved cheated on her," Jake said.
"Man you are still in love with her?" AJ asked already knowing the truth. "Yeah I am. I think about her everyday. Sometimes when I was at my worst, I would be so high or drunk I was convince that I went to be with her and when I woke up with another woman it killed me. Oh God I got to go it's time for my interview," Jake said running off. "Oh wait Jake I have to worn you," AJ yelled out but was Jake was long gone.
Mike Tenay and Larry Zybsko were in the ring. "Ladies and Gentlemen this past Sunday at Hard Justice a new star was born. It happened after AJ Styles was injured and it turned a tag match into a handicapped matched. Please welcome the man that won that match Jake Reed," Tenay announced as Jake's music played.
The crowed popped huge as Jake made his way to the ring. Jake walked into the ring and shuck hands with Tenay and Zybsko. "Jake Reed that had to be one of the most impressive fights in TNA history," Tenay said. Jake took the microphone and spoke, "Thanks Mike. You know, I just to say thank you to TNA for giving me the shoot to wrestle and be successful because I am a great wrestler! Not a gimmick! Not a want to be rapper that makes the twelve year old girls scream! And I sure as hell am not the Gimp!" The crowd yelled and began chanting Reed.
Larry Zybsko took the microphone. "You know Jake that was a great job. But the time has come for you to step up to the next level. Well someone has made a challenge," Zybsko said, "I accept! I don't care who it is," Jake said.
Samoa Joe's music hit and the monster of a man headed to the ring. "That was a real stupid move Reed. Because I am the guy that challenged you!" Joe said holding his microphone and getting in Jake's face. "Joe for the longest time for the longest time I have heard about how great you are. Well guess what I am better. I would have been the guy that ended you twenty one mouth ROH reign. I had one bad night and it cost me. But Now I am at my best! I will be the first guy to beat you in TNA," Jake said not taking a step back.
Joe knees Jake in the gut. Jake drops to his knees. Joe begins driving knees into Jake's face. Jake manages to block one and fights to his feet. The start trading a fury of chops, kicks, elbows, and punches. It takes every about twenty people to separate them finally.
Jake walks to the back a small trickle of blood coming from his noise. He is pinching his nose to put pressure so it will stop it. Traci walks out of the locker room. "Jake are you ok?" She asked seeing the blood. "I'll be fine," Jake says.
"Jake don't take this match," Traci said. "Careful Ms. Brooks it's starting to sound like you care," Jake said taking a towel from that she handed to him. "I do care…" Jake leaned in and kissed her. Traci returned the kiss for a second before pulling back. "Don't," she said before walking off. Jake stopped her and pulled her back.
"Traci please don't walk away. I know you still love me. I know we can't make up for the lost time. But if you just give me another chance." Jake said. "I… Jake look out!" Traci screamed. Jake turned around to see a boot fly right into his face.
Jake was dazed and looked up and saw Matt Bentley standing over him, "I don't what the hell you were talking about. But stay away from my girlfriend," He said before grapping Traci and walking away.